> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://happybara.gitbook.io/proper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://happybara.gitbook.io/proper/reference/discussions/start.md).

# Start a Discussion

### **Discussions can be started from the Slack Shortcuts menu by searching for 'discussion', or by navigating to the `Discussions` section of the App Home and clicking** :speech\_balloon:**`New Discussion`.**

#### **Either of the above actions will trigger the modal shown below where you can:**

* Select a public or private channel where the disucssion will be posted.
* Enter a topic or question for the discussion.

{% hint style="info" %}
Depending on [**admin settings**](/proper/reference/discussions/admin-settings.md), approval may be required before the discussion is started.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/-MWlNYRE6Li82vynh17D)

{% hint style="warning" %}
If an app or workspace admin has [**restricted**](/proper/reference/admin-settings.md#channel-restrictions) the channels that Proper can join, only the approved public and/or private channels will be visible in the conversation select menu.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If a **private channel** is selected and Poper is not yet a member, the discussion will be saved as a draft and you will be prompted to invite the app to join.

Once Proper has joined the private channel, the discussion will be shared.
{% endhint %}

#### Your Discussion will be posted to the selected conversation and added to the Proper App Home.

{% hint style="info" %}
As the OP, all messages you post will be from the :penguin: emoji.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/-MWbQ1ocj0zDn77GFQED)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://happybara.gitbook.io/proper/reference/discussions/start.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.